The Cal State Northridge men’s golf team finished second in this week’s Shootout at Angel Park Tournament in Las Vegas, hosted by Hawai’i. The second place finish out of 17 teams was a season-best for the Matadors, who finished 17 strokes behind the UNLV Running Rebels, winners of the team title.

The Matadors posted scores of 285 and 287 on Saturday and 285 in the final round on Sunday. The Running Rebels dominated, posting rounds of 282, 282 and 276, to finish with a total score of twelve under-par 840. The Rebels were the lone team to finish under par.

Freshman Nick Delio led the Matadors with an even-par three round total of 213, to finish tied for seventh place individually. The seventh place finish for Delio is the highest individual placing for the Matadors so far in this young season.

Coach Jim Bracken wasn’t surprised with the way Delio played over the weekend, saying he knows the young freshman has the talent and skill to be near the top in every tournament.

“Even though he’s a freshman, I expect him to be in contention every time he plays,” Bracken said.

Junior Erik Jarvey was tied with Delio for sixth place after the first two rounds on Saturday, before carding a one over-par 72 in Sunday’s final round to finish tied for tenth place at one over-par 214. Senior Kyle Nicolson shot rounds of 75-70-71 to finish with a three over-par 216 and tied for 15th place.

Senior Aaron Hobbs and sophomore Jeff Freund of the Matadors finished tied for 32nd place with total scores of 220. Junior Greg Gauvin finished tied for 91st, and senior John Gilles finished tied for 93rd, with total scores of 28 over-par 241 and 29 over-par 242, respectively. Junior Chris Satterlee didn’t compete in the tournament due to an injury.

Bracken had high hopes for his team well before the season started, and while this second place finish was exciting for the team, he says they have what it takes to be even better than they have showed thus far.

“I was very happy with this finish,” Bracken said. “These guys got a lot of confidence and they feel like they can beat anybody.”

The Matadors will be hosting their next tournament at Wood Ranch Golf Course in Simi Valley and Coach Bracken expects nothing less out of this team, and maybe even a little extra.

“I’m looking forward to our next tournament, and to moving up one more spot,” Bracken said.

The Bill Cullum Invitational will be played at Wood Ranch Golf Course in Simi Valley on Oct. 15 and 16.

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